Public Debate in the 1980's (From Drugs and British Society: Responses to a Social Problem in the Eighties, P 1-19, 1989, Susanne MacGregor, ed. -- See NCJ-124945)

• NCJ Number: 124946
• Author(s): S MacGregor
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Routledge
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

The ways in which the media and politicians have discussed drug use in Great Britain during the 1980's has generated stereotypes of the drug addict that are inadequate as a basis for serious discussion of policy and practice.

Abstract

These discussions have been characterized by an exaggeration of the problem; a focus only on specific drugs, particularly heroin; and an emphasis on the demand for drugs among young people. In addition, fear of drug addicts and concern with social order have been central themes of public discussions about drugs. Politicians have also used the drug issue as a convenient way of promoting certain policies. Furthermore, the reality that alcohol kills far more people than other drugs do has been obscured. Thus, policy discussions should center on such issues as the appropriate balance between care and control, the role of the government and the community in addressing the issue, and the extent to which liberty should be restricted in responding to the drug problem.